09 Mar 2010

Scott County Historic Preservation Society

By Robert Jackson Jr.
The next meeting for the Scott County Historic Preservation Society (SCHPS)  will be held on March 11, 2010 at 7pm at the Beer Cellar Room at the Front Street Brewery located at 208 E. River Dr., Davenport, IA

Dr. Frank Claudy will perform on the Irish flute, playing authentic music of Ireland. Come early for optional dinner from 6-7pm
For more information contact Duane Timm at bigdaddydtimm@yahoo.com or  563-323-4088.
08 Mar 2010

The Younkers Goodwill Sale Event

By Christine Hojnacki

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY BY DONATING TO GOODWILL® DURING

THE YOUNKERS GOODWILL SALE EVENT

Earn a Discount at Younkers Through Donations to Goodwill


MILWAUKEE, WI (March 4, 2010) ? The economy is showing signs of recovery, but a new survey from the National Association for Business Economics shows that job growth will likely be slow for the next couple of years. People who are already dealing with long bouts of unemployment need help to find jobs and take care of their families. By donating clean, gently used clothing and textiles during the semi-annual Goodwill Sale at Younkers stores, donors can help those individuals obtain job training and employment and receive a discount on new merchandise at the same time.


The Goodwill Sale at Younkers stores will take place from Wednesday, March 10, 2010, through Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Consumers who donate clothing and textiles at Younkers will receive a discount coupon for every item donated. The coupon can be used at Younkers locations for 20% off apparel, shoes and accessories, and 15% off cosmetics, fragrances and home store merchandise. Certain items, including electronics and toys, qualify for a 10% discount.


Donations will be sold in Goodwill stores, where the revenues fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based services for people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience and others facing challenges to finding employment.


"Donating items you no longer need to Goodwill is a simple act of charity anyone can do and directly benefits people in your local communities," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Your donations allow Goodwill to provide the job training services that people need to build their careers, be independent and create a positive impact on their communities."


Every customer who donates at Younkers during the Goodwill Sale is contributing an "Act of Goodwill" to help others. People who pledge their support for Goodwill's mission and register their commitment on the www.millionactsofgoodwill.com website, will receive an exclusive 25% discount in-store coupon. Those who register on the website will also have a chance to play the Spin to Win game and be entered in the $1,000 cash prize sweepstakes.


As people clean out their closets this spring, Younkers and Goodwill urge donors to carefully decide what they do with items they no longer need. The Goodwill Sale generates millions of pounds of donations for Goodwill, a nonprofit organization with a long history of strengthening families and communities. Every 42 seconds of every business day, a person served by Goodwill earns a good job, allowing them to pay for household expenses like food and child care, as well as allowing them to make long-term economic investments such as education or purchasing a home or car.


"The Goodwill Sale is more than a major sale event for our Company; it enables Goodwill to help those who need it most in our local communities," said Bud Bergren, president and chief executive officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "The successful partnership between Younkers and Goodwill gives people an opportunity to help their neighbors who are building their job skills and careers."


About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 180 community-based, independent agencies in the United States, Canada and 13 other countries. One of the nation's top five most valuable and recognized nonprofit brands as well as a leading social services enterprise, Goodwill generates opportunities for people to achieve economic stability and build strong families and vibrant communities by offering job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face other challenges to finding employment. To pay for its programs, Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items in more than 2,300 retail stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. More than 1.5 million people in the United States and Canada have benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find your local Goodwill, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org or call (800) 664-6577.


About The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 278 stores, including 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, stores in the Detroit, Michigan area. The stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc is an active and positive participant in the communities that it serves. The Goodwill Sale event is long standing charitable partnership the Company developed to support its Hometown commitment and build strong communities.


01 Mar 2010

Rummage & Bake Sale

By Lillian
St. James Lutheran Church, 3145 - 31st Avenue in Rock Island, will hold their annual Rummage & Bake Sale fund-raiser in April at the church.  Come on out on April 8th and 9th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and April 10th from 9:00 a.m. until 12 Noon for the best bargains in town.
01 Mar 2010

American Red Cross Celebrates March as Red Cross Month

By Theresa Kuhlmann
PEORA, Ill. (February 25, 2010) - As emergency relief efforts continue in Haiti, the nation recognizes March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross takes this time to honor the valuable contributions of generous volunteers whose commitment makes its work possible.

March was first declared Red Cross Month in 1943, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a proclamation to remind the American public that the Red Cross is committed to providing disaster assistance and emergency social services as well as blood and blood products, across the United States and worldwide.

Providing emergency relief efforts down the street, across the country and around the world, and ensuring the stability of our nation's blood supply, is in the hands of volunteers who turn compassion into action by giving generously to others in need. The Red Cross seeks to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. One way you can help support this mission is to become a dedicated blood donor.

"Your blood is needed more than you think - one out of every 10 people admitted to the hospital will need blood or blood products," said Shelly Heiden, CEO of the Heart of America Red Cross Blood Services region. "The hour that you volunteer to donate blood can help save the lives of patients."

Help the American Red Cross prepare to meet the needs of patients by donating blood during March - Red Cross Month. Each year, the Red Cross collects about six million pints of blood - about half the blood needed in the United States. Be one of the many who help saves lives by making an appointment to give blood today.

Upcoming Community Blood Donation Opportunities
Clinton Iowa Community Drive, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 Fourth St., Fulton Ill.
March 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fulton High School Blood Drive, 1207 12th St., Fulton, Ill.
March 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rock Falls Community Drive, 112 West 2nd St., Rock Falls, Ill.
March 3, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

###
18 Feb 2010

ANNUAL CLARENCE DARROW EVENT MARCH 13

By Gary L. Anderson
CHICAGO -  A group led by attorneys, labor leaders and social justice advocates that has gathered annually for more than 50 years to honor the memory of attorney Clarence Darrow will meet at the Darrow Bridge in Jackson Park Saturday,  March 13 at 10 a.m. for its traditional wreath-tossing into the Jackson Park Lagoon. Darrow's ashes were strewn in the Lagoon after his death on March 13, 1938 in Chicago.    

The annual event is convened by the Clarence Darrow Commemorative Committee. This year's program will feature a special tribute to the late Leon "Len" Depress, who co-founded the committee in 1958 and remained a leader of the group. Despres (1908-2009) attended last year's event, one of his last public appearances. More than 100 Darrow devotees, civil libertarians, and First Amendment buffs are expected to attend the outdoor wreath-throwing ceremonies behind the Museum of Science and Industry and indoor symposium that follows in the Columbian Room of the adjacent Museum of Science & Industry.

This year's symposium will feature a performance by Gary L. Anderson, a renowned and lauded portrayer of Darrow. Anderson tours year-round as America's only full-time Darrow portrayer.  This performance, "Search for Justice," portrays Darrow as legal warrior, engaging the justice system in a presentation that trembles with inescapable timeliness. Anderson is the CEO of The Clarence Darrow Foundation. See: www.clarencedarrowfoundation.org.

Judy Besser, great granddaugher of Clarence Darrow, will read a letter from Darrow to his daughter, Judy's grandmother, in 1929. This letter illustrates Darrow's great wit and sense of humor little known by the general public.

Loyola Law Professor Anita Weinberg, daughter of Arthur and Lila Weinberg, authors of three books on Darrow and founders of the annual Darrow event, will preside over the indoor program.  Tracy Baim, publisher of The Windy City Times and daughter of Joy Darrow, will preside at the bridge.

Darrow, characterized as the "attorney for the damned," who was born in 1857 in Farmdale, Ohio, practiced in Chicago and represented the underdog and vigorously opposed capital punishment. None of his many clients was sentenced to death.

Darrow's death on March 13, 1938, was memorialized throughout the world. His ashes, and later the ashes of his wife Ruby and his son Paul, were scattered from the Darrow Bridge, which was dedicated to his memory by the Chicago Park District in 1957.



Clarence Darrow                         Gary L. Anderson
18 Feb 2010

News from the German American Heritage Center

By Angela Hunt
New Special Amana Exhibit Opens March 5 at the German American Heritage Center
The German American Heritage Center is excited to bring you this new exhibit in partnership with the Amana Heritage Society. Along with several artifacts, fascinating personal stories from descendants bring to life trades Amana members brought from Germany including blacksmithing, baking, butchering, weaving and more.  The exhibit focuses on the time during the Great Depression when some members of the Amana communal society  made a difficult decision to move to the City of Davenport.

This exhibit is in honor of Henry R. and Marie A. Schaefer who emigrated from the Amana Colonies and the security of the communal society to Davenport to explore a new life outside the system. This exhibit is sponsored by the children of Henry R. and Marie A. Schaefer: Richard H. Schaefer, Marilyn L. Schaefer, Carol H. Schaefer,Suzan M. Schaefer, and Jack T. Schaefer.
German Language Classes
German Level I
Prerequisite:
None
Date: Meets Tuesdays afternoons starting March 23 - June 15 (No class April 20.)
Time/Location: 5:00-6:30 pm at the German American Heritage Center, 4th floor
Cost: Members: $75 for the course and $20 for the manual; Nonmembers: $95 for the class and $20 for the manual
Text: Chapters 1-4 of German - a Self-teaching Guide (available through the GAHC).
Vocabulary topics: greetings, introductions, telling about yourself and your family, useful expressions, numbers (measurements, currencies, sizes, temperature), food, restaurants & eating, hotels and overnight accommodations. Lessons may include additional topics as needed.
Grammar topics:  Subject and object pronouns, the many German words for "the" and "you,"  present tense forms of verbs, nouns and plurals, differences in German and English word order, introduction to adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions. To register call  563-322-8844.

German Level II
Class meets 90 minutes once a week for 12 weeks.
Prerequisite: German I or some basic knowledge of German language.
Dates: Meets Tuesday evenings starting March 23 - June 15 (No class April 20.)
Time/Location: 7-8:30 pm at the German American Heritage Center, 4th floor
Cost: Members: $75 for the course and $20 for the manual; Nonmembers: $95 for the class and $20 for the manual
Text: Chapters 5-8  of the text German - a Self-teaching Guide (Available through the GAHC. This is a continuation of the same manual used in German I at GAHC.)
Vocabulary and conversation topics: Numbers, telling time, train and air travel, shopping, health care, & going to the doctor in Germany, entertainment and recreation.  Lessons may include additional topics as needed.
Grammar topics:  Review of Level I as needed; past and future tense forms of verbs; more about using adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, and prepositions; continued practice with German word order. To register call  563-322-8844. 

In This Issue
New Amana Exhibit in Quad Cities
German Language Classes
German Gardening Presentation
Bus Trip: Historic Kalona, Iowa
Schrebergärten:
Community Gardening in Germany and America
Date/Time: Saturday,
February 27, 2010 at 2 p.m.
Cost: Free with general admission; Free for members
Place: German American Heritage Center, 712 W 2nd St., Davenport, Iowa

Description: Community gardening began in Germany during the Industrial Revolution as a way to escape from the dirty and polluted cities. Today, they still provide an "escape" for some, but are not limited to that alone. They provide learning experiences for children, a stress reliever for adults, and a source of fresh, cheap produce. The importance of community gardening is growing with higher food prices, increasing populations, and as a means of beautification of derelict neighborhoods and cities. This presentation will be given by Bryan Schmid.
ALL ABOARD!
Join us for a day trip to historic Kalona, Iowa on  Monday,  May 3, 2010 . Reserve your spot soon!

Time: 7:15 a.m.-5:35 p.m.
(Bus departs/returns at the German American Heritage Center)

Cost: Members $55;
Non-members $65
Includes transportation by motor coach, family style lunch in a farm house, and tours. Lunch will be in a farm house and served family style. Lunch will include roast beef, noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread, relish, pies and ice tea or coffee. 

Description:
Relive the 1800's when you visit the Historical Village with its 13 authentically restored buildings. Throughout the day you'll travel the scenic back-roads with our guides and experience a new sense of the hard work and family ethic that continues to mark the Amish way of life. We will explore Kalona Historic Village and Quilt & Textile Museum. Also enjoy a visit to the bakery, shops and general store. During the trip, you will also have an opportunity to watch a live horse auction as well. Watch demonstrations such as noodle making and cheese making, and traditional crafts including woodworking.
To reserve your spot for the trip, call 563-322-8844 before April 26. We encourage you to register soon, as space is limited.
08 Feb 2010

Donations collected for the American Red Cross Haiti Fund

By Dr. Traci Nelson Hassel

During the month of February 2010, Nelson Chiropractic in Bettendorf will be taking $20.00 donations for their Have a Heart for Haiti fund. The $20.00 donation will be for all new patients and will go towards the American Red Cross Haiti fund. For this $20.00 donation, all new patients will receive an exam, a consultation with one of the four doctors, a report of their findings and any necessary x-rays. This is a $200.00+ value all for a $20.00 donation for the American Red Cross Haiti fund. Any new patient can call the office and make their appointment with Dr. Traci Nelson, Dr. Lindsay Gall, Dr. Amanda Friemel or Dr. Shannon Neal.

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross is sending money, supplies and staff to Haiti to suport relief efforts after the earthquake, which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life.

Donation from the general public anc be dropped off at Nelson Chiropractic in the Shops @ Cumberland in Bettendorf (across from the library). To make a donation or to schedule an appointment, call 359-9541.

04 Feb 2010

WQPT ANNOUNCES NEW PBS GO WRITERS CONTEST

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS announces the new PBS Kids Go Writing Contest, which takes the place of the annual Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest. "This new contest builds on the foundation laid by Reading Rainbow and encourages young writers to communicate more effectively through the development of early writing skills" said WQPT Educational Outreach Director, Ana Kehoe.

The contest is open to students in Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade and 3rd Grade.  Every entrant will receive a Certificate of Achievement.  Stories must be the original work of the child. They may write fact or fiction, prose or poetry. All entries must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 6, 2010 and mailed to WQPT, 6600 34th Avenue, Moline, Illinois 61265 or delivered to WQPT in Building 2 at Black Hawk College in Moline. Sixteen winners (four selected from each grade) will receive local recognition on WQPT and win special prizes.  First place winners will compete for national prizes. Winning stories will be displayed at the Butterworth Center in Moline, Illinois, the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa and the Family Museum in Bettendorf, Iowa. Winners will be notified in late April and a reception will be held to honor the winning stories.

For the last two years Jayda Brunkan of the Ed White School has gone on to win a national prize. As a kindergartener she was a 3rd place finisher in the national competition and last year she was a first place winner. There were 45,000 contest entrants nationwide and Jayda was one of only 12 national winners.

The sponsors are also hosting workshops to help Kindergarten through 3rd grade students with their writing and illustrating skills. Participants are not required to enter the contest. Parents are also invited to learn how to assist children with writing and editing stories.  These workshops are free and will be held at:

° Sat., Feb. 13, 10 am - 11:30 am: The Bettendorf Library, 563-344-4178

° Sat., Feb. 27, 10 am - 11 am: The Moline Library, 309-736-5742

° Mon., March 8, 3:30 pm-5:00 pm: The Family Museum, 563-344-4170

Please contact the museum and libraries to sign up for the workshop.

To find out more about entering the contest log on to www.wqpt.org.

Funding and support for the project has been provided in part by the Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, Figge Art Museum and Family Museum.

WQPT is located on the campus of Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois.

# # #

02 Feb 2010

Chinese New Year Party is open to all

By Vince Thomas

Quad City residents are invited to join the local celebration of Chinese New Year  on February 20, at the LULAC Club, 4224 Ricker Hill, Davenport, Iowa.

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays, which begins in February 14, Valentine's Day, this year. The new year is celebrated for 15 days in China and many other southeastern countries in the world.

The event is co-sponsored by the U.S.-China People's Friendship Association, The Quad City Chinese Christian Church, and The Quad City Chinese Association.

The evening festivities will include dinner and a program. Prior to the dinner at 5 p.m., authentic chefs will demonstrate preparing the traditional "jiaozi" or dumplings, vegetable sculptures, and "Shaomai", starting at 3:30 p.m. There will be a craft activity for children, and demonstrations and audience participation in calligraphy.

Ticket prices are $5 for children twelve and under, and $10 for adult with reservation before February 18th, or $15 for adult and $8 for children at the door, Children under 3 are free.  Reservations can be sent to Susan @ s.leuthauser@mchsi.com or leave a voice message at 563-332-1576.

The New Year, "Chuxi," begins on the first day of the new moon in the first lunar month and ends on the fifteenth day of the full moon. "Chu" means change, and "xi" means eve.  In China, each year is associated with one of twelve animals in the zodiac. This is the year of the Tiger.

Although the Chinese calendar traditionally does not use continuously numbered years, outside China its years are often numbered from the reign of Huangdi. But at least three different years numbered 1 are now used by various scholars, making the year 2010 "Chinese Year" 4707 or 4646.

Traditional beliefs advise that to be born under the sign of a particular animal makes a person prone to certain humors and personality traits. New Year's is celebrated as a family affair, a time for reunion and thanksgiving. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu, symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.

According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nien (pinyin: nián). Nien would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nien ate the food they prepared, it wouldn't attack any more people.

One time, people saw that the Nien was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nien was afraid of the color red. Hence, every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nien.

From then on, Nien never came to the village again. The Nien was eventually captured by hong jun lao zu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nien became hong jun lao zu's mount.

-30-

02 Feb 2010

Activities at the River Valley Library, Port Byron, for February 2010

By Janna Batey

Help the winter months fly by! Join River Valley District Library's annual Winter Reading Program February 8th- March 19th.  Adult participants must read two hours per week and record their times on their reading log, which can be picked up at the library beginning February 8th.  Participants may read any material they choose, as long as it comes from River Valley Library.  Readers may enter their names once a week in a prize drawing.  Upon completion of the program, all participants will receive a $5.00 Borders Bookstore gift card.  Call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

"Our Young Authors" Children's Reading Program for Pre-12th grade will be held at River Valley District Library February 8th- March 19th.  Join us in exploring creative writing, illustration and more as we teach you to "think like a writer!"  Each week the program will showcase an influential children's book and offer projects and activities that tie in with the story.  Activity kits and instructions will be available on Monday of each week of the program.  The first Monday, February 8th at 9:30am or 6:30pm, please stop in the library to hear a reading of Jan Brett's Ukranian folktale the Mitten. Each participant must read 1 hour per week and record their times on their reading logs, which can be picked up at the library beginning February 8th.  Each week participants may enter their names in a drawing for a book by the week's featured author.  Older students may draw for a theme-related book.  Upon completion of the program, all participants will receive a book of their choosing or a $5.00 Borders Bookstore gift card.  Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Rhyme Tyme Story Time will be held Mondays from 11am-12pm and Thursdays from 10am-11am in the Community Room at River Valley District Library.  For children ages Pre-K, this class offers stories, songs and crafts based on a central theme. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Mommy and Me Story Time will be held Wednesdays from 9:15am-9:45am in the Community Room at River Valley District Library. For children ages 0-Pre, this class uses music and movement to capture children's interest.  Call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Pajama Story Time will be held at River Valley Library February 26th, March 26th and April 30th from 6:30-7:30pm.  Put on your pjs and join us for story time! Each child that attends will receive a free book.  Hosted by the Friends of River Valley Library. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.   River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast will be held at River Valley Library Saturday, February 27th from 8:00am-9:30am. Do you like green eggs and ham?  Come down to the library to try them at this special, Dr. Seuss-inspired breakfast! Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs will be shown at River Valley Library Monday, February 15th from 12:30-2:30pm.  We will serve a free lunch and watch the movie upstairs in the Community Room.  Open to all ages. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Create Your Own Book at River Valley Library Saturday February 20th.  Children ages Pre-1st grade can make a lift a flap book from 10- 11am.  Children grades 2nd-12th can make a simple pop-up book  from 11:30-12:30pm. This is a free event, so bring the whole family! Sign up beforehand at the library, so that we can have enough supplies available. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Antique Appraisals will be held at River Valley Library Saturday, March 6th at 9am.  You may bring up to three items to be appraised, but please do not bring arms, armor, guns or knives. Please plan to stay for the full program.   Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Avon Demonstration will be held at River Valley District Library Saturday, February 27th at 10am.  Presented by local Avon representative Holly Loy, this program will showcase Avon's new skincare and makeup product lines.  Holly will help you choose the right products for unique skin type and coloring and will be offering a door prize and samples. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Bob Ross Painting Classes led by certified Bob Ross instructor Frank Black will be held in the Community Room at River Valley Library.  Friday, February 5th there will be two seascape Make & Take classes, from 5:00-6:30pm and from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Cost is $15.00, which includes all supplies.  Saturday, February 6th is a youth seascape painting class from 10am-12pm. Cost is $15.00, which includes all supplies.  Friday, February 19th is a full-size (16"x20") seascape painting class from 5pm-8pm.  Cost is $50, which includes all supplies. Friday, March 5th there will be two floral Make & Take classes from 5:00-6:30pm and from 6:30-8:00pm.  Cost is $15.00, which includes all supplies.  Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Cooking and Culinary Explorations with Chef Spencer Blake will be held at River Valley Library Monday, February 22nd at 5:00pm.  Join Chef Spencer as he teaches how to prepare fresh pasta with two specialty sauces, a classic tomato and a bolognese.  As he demonstrates the technique, he will also talk about the practical, historical and cultural aspects of the featured cuisine and discuss possible wine pairings.  Delectable tastings will be served and sample portions will be provided for you to take home.  The cost for this class is $20.  Future classes will be held on the last Monday of each month and topics will be barbecue methods such as smoking, spit-roasting and grilling; methods of cooking fish, methods of cooking eggs, and more.  Chef Spencer is a native of Port Byron and a recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America of Hyde Park, New York. Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Starting Seeds Successfully will be held at River Valley Library Thursday, February 25th at 6:30pm.  Led by Judith Williamsen, a certified Master Gardener, this presentation will cover types of seeds, supplies for getting started, the value of having a heat supply, hardening off the seedling and garden sites.  Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Tai Chi will be held at River Valley Library every Tuesday from 6:45-8:00pm.  Led by instructor Steve Cravens, this class utilizes an ancient Chinese soft form of martial arts that increases balance, promotes relaxation and improves overall health and wellbeing. All skill levels are welcome. The cost is $7.00 per class.  Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Yoga will be held at River Valley Library every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30pm.  Led by instructor Rebecca Licandro, this class uses the ancient art of yoga to relieve stress, increase flexibility and improve health.  All skill levels are welcome. The cost is $8.00 per class. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Join us for an afternoon of good-natured rivalry as we play Bunco at River Valley Library! This Bunco group is open to all ages and skill levels, so grab a friend and join the fun! Contact Bev Skelton at (309) 523-2516 for more information. Held from 1:00pm-3:00pm Wednesdays, February 17th &  March 17th.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Quilting by the River will be held in the Community Room at River Valley Library.  Bring your current project and join this group of happy quilters as they swap quilting stories, favorite techniques and more.  Contact Pat Biskie for more information at (309) 523-2171.  Held Thursdays February 11th and March 11th.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Stitching & More will be held in the Community Room at River Valley Library.  Do you enjoy knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, or other forms of stitching?  Put your creativity to work and share your favorite tips and tricks with this fun group of ladies.  This group meets every Wednesday (except the 2nd Wednesday of each month) from 5:00-8:00pm.  Contact Bev Skelton at (309) 523-2516 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Stamping Club will be held the first Friday of each month from 9:00am-11:00am at River Valley Library.  Meet other ladies who enjoy stamping and get some great ideas on card making!  Share your own creations and learn new techniques. Contact Bev Skelton at (309) 523-2516 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

River Reflections will be showing My Sister's Keeper and Couple's Retreat in the Community Room at River Valley Library. Come watch these new releases on the big screen and enjoy free pop and popcorn! My Sister's Keeper will be shown Thursday February 5th from 1:00-3:30pm.  Couple's Retreat will be shown February 18th from 1:00-3:30pm and a selection of scrumptious desserts will be offered in honor of Valentine's Day. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Port Byron Historical Society will meet in the Community Room at River Valley Library Wednesdays once a month, from 7:00-8:00pm.  Future meetings are scheduled for Feb.10th, March 10th, April 14th, May 12th..  Meetings feature a wide variety of topics, guest speakers and historical performers. For more information, contact Carl Palmer at (309) 523-3654. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Homeschooler's Group will meet every other Tuesday in the Community Room at River Valley Library.  This group meets to provide local homeschoolers with support, classes, seasonal events and fieldtrips. Some of the classes that are planned include art, music, fiber arts, creative movement, public speaking, health, science, gardening and more.  Contact Carrie Homann at (309) 496-3330 for more information.  Future meetings include "Show and Tell" January 19th; "Fiber Arts" February 2nd; and "Science and Microscopes" February 16th.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.